outed out to a horrible
length, the jaws opening and shutting like the edges of an earthquake
fissure. It flew up and whirled round the room seven times. Then with a
rush it flew at Raiko's head, and bit through the straw hat and into the
iron helmet inside. But this final effort exhausted its strength, it's
motions ceased and it fell heavily to the floor.

Anxiously the comrades helped their fallen leader to rise, and examined
his head. But he was unhurt,--not a scratch was on him. Then the heroes
congratulated each other and after despatching the smaller demons,
brought out all the treasure and divided it equally. Then they set the
castle on fire and buried the bones of the victims, setting up a stone to
mark the spot. All the maidens and captives were assembled together, and
in great state and pomp they returned to Kioto. The virgins were restored
to their parents, and many a desolate home was made joyful, and many
mourning garments taken off. Raiko was honored by the mikado in being
made a kuge (court noble,) and was appointed Chief of the entire garrison
of Kiot[=o]. Then all the people were grateful for his valor.

THE SAZAYE AND THE TAI.

Sazaye is a shell-fish, which is very proud of its shell. This is high,
full of points like towers, and thick like a castle wall. When feeding,
enjoying itself or moving around, its long neck and body are stretched
out before it, armed with its hard operculum, which is like an iron
shield, or the end of a battering ram. The operculum fits the entrance to
its shell like a trap door. As soon as any danger is near it pulls in its
head, and slams itself shut with a loud noise.

On account of the hardness and thickness of his shell, the sazaye is the
envy of the soft-bodied fishes that covet his security. But on the other
hand the sazaye, though a slow moving creature, is apt to be too proud of
his defence and trust too much to his fancied security.

* * * * *

One day a Tai (red fish) and a Herring were looking at the strong shell
of the sazaye, and becoming quite envious, the Tai said:

"What a mighty strong castle you do live in, Mr. Sazaye. When you once
shut up your shell no one need even try to touch you. You are to be
envied sir."

The Sazaye was tickled at the flattery, but pretending to be very humble,
shook his head and said:

"It is very kind in you, my lords, to say so, but my little hut is
nothing but a shell; yet I must s